Ruger LCR .357

RHW · 10-22-2012, 12:07

I searched for posts reference the Ruger LCR.357 - didn't find any, if there are please direct me.
Any reviews or comments good/bad/indifferent on the Ruger LCR .357?
Looking for it as a CCW for my better half.

Danke.

JJ_BPK · 10-22-2012, 14:20

Not a ruger fan, so I can't help with the review..

Before you get the misses a light weight and/or small CCW,, try one at the range. There is a reason Browning made the 1911 42 oz..

I carry S&W J frames. Combined I probably have shot 3K in ammo. From cheap re-loads to top-end hunting, like Speer Gold-Dot.

M940, 9mm, 23oz, 1 1/2 inch
M60, 357, 24oz, 3 inch
M342, 38spl +P, 10.5oz, 1 1/2 inch

Points of Interest:

1)weight, Less is GOOD,, in your pocket,, My 342 @ 10.5(12+oz loaded) is great for shorts. I sometimes use an old soft sunglasses zipper case and hang it from a belt loop. I can't do that with the other two, at 26 & 28 OZ loaded they need a belt & holster to support them, or jacket.

2)weight, Less is BAD, I carry Speer GD short barrel +P in the 342,, it hurts to practice. So I shoot the 940 with 9mm GD +P. The extra 14 oz make a significant difference. The 357 with GD +P is unpleasant but manageable.

Where ever you choose, I recommend Speer GD "SHORT BARREL". The reduction in flash helps indoors and under low light.

ME: 65 YO with moderately arthritic body.. YMMV

PS: I also cary two(2) 8rd QuickStrip, for a total carry of 21 rounds, a very manageable 22.5 oz package.

PSM · 10-22-2012, 15:09

My wife carries a .38 SPL LCR and also has a .22 LCR. She uses them both a lot. Three diamondback 'rattlers can attest to that.

The .22 was sensitive to certain brands of ammo at first, but, after about 100 rounds, it's running smooth now.

ETA: I had suggested that she get the .357/.38 but they didn't have one in stock. After firing her's, it's very light and the .357 might be too much to handle.

Pat

Rob_Frey · 10-22-2012, 15:45

I have an S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P, and it can be rough in the recoil dept.. 158 Gr. Lead Round Nose are painful to shoot more than a couple of cylinders. I carry CorBon DPX 110 Gr. +P which actually is less rough feeling in recoil. I have a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster and couple of strips I carry.

A .357 in this size gun might be too much for your wife.

longrange1947 · 10-22-2012, 15:58

Carry a S&W J Frame in 38. The 357 can be a hand full on a light frame. As is JJ, partially elderly and I have two speed strips for a total of 15 rounds. Nice and light, can carry anywhere, and will drop anyone but a meth freak at normal confrontation ranges. I just need enough time to get some distance between me and them.

PSM · 10-22-2012, 17:18

I told my wife about this thread and she reminded me that she joined a "women only" shooting club. At the introductory lesson, in March, the club provided a variety of .22 handguns and each woman had to try them all to see what type they liked. Then, with prefered type in mind, they shot larger caliber handguns until they found what they were comfortable with.

Several of the woman had guns that their husbands had given them the previous Christmas. Half of those with their own guns did not like them and ended up trading for another.

Let your wife choose. You'll both be happier.

BTW, when I said "women only" that is absolute. Husbands, boyfriends, fathers, neighbors, cannot be anywhere near the range when they train. They do have two male instructors, though.

Pat

**The Reaper** · 10-22-2012, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSM

I told my wife about this thread and she reminded me that she joined a "women only" shooting club. At the introductory lesson, in March, the club provided a variety of .22 handguns and each woman had to try them all to see what type they liked. Then, with prefered type in mind, they shot larger caliber handguns until they found what they were comfortable with.

Several of the woman had guns that their husbands had given them the previous Christmas. Half of those with their own guns did not like them and ended up trading for another.

Let your wife choose. You'll both be happier.

BTW, when I said "women only" that is absolute. Husbands, boyfriends, fathers, neighbors, cannot be anywhere near the range when they train.

Pat

Precisely.

Giving a woman what she wants and can shoot well is infinitely better than giving her what you think she should carry, and letting it collect dust in a drawer at home.

OTOH, I have seen many women who could shoot an auto well enough, but did not have the strength to pull the slide back to lock or load it.

Take her to a range with rentals, let her pick and shoot several, and let her have what she wants.

TR

longrange1947 · 10-22-2012, 17:32

In the same vein, a semi has to be practiced and drilled for IA drills, revolver just keep squeezing. If they wish a semi, make sure they not only shoot but can "tap and rack" as well and be second nature. My 2 cents on that one.

**Ambush Master** · 10-22-2012, 17:51

I put Judy through a Women's self defence course years ago. The Instructor, and old friend of mine, would only allow revolvers. I sent her with a S&W 686 with light .38 loads and my Browning HiPower as a backup. She couldn't hit squat with the 686-2" so she asked Ernie if she could use the HiPower. He asked if she knew how to run it and she showed him all of the proper handling so he allowed her to shoot it. When I got back in town and out to the Range, Ernie told me that before I ever think about messing around on her, to be sure I had control of the HiPower!!!

Later
Martin

RHW · 10-23-2012, 10:46

Thanks All,
Roger That.
Expected nothing but good advice.
Primary is a XDM .40 (it picked her). But wanted to get her one to shoot out a purse or jacket pocket without the slide hanging up.
My thoughts on the .357; practice with .38spl and .357 when its real.

Good call on womens clubs, she is already planning on women only shoots with the NRA in VA and some tactical classes in Raleigh (cheaper than in the DC AO).

R-